Food as Medicine at Orchard Street Dispensary

A long dream of a herbal dispensary becomes a reality for Sydney-based herbalist Kirsten Shanks.

Photography: Luisa Brimble

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Photography: Luisa Brimble

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Photography: Luisa Brimble

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Published on 23 July 2013

by Joy Yong

It’s only been six months since Kirsten Shanks launched her Organic Cleanse business online, supplying Sydneysiders with meticulously crafted juice cleanses – made using 100 per cent certified organic ingredients, no less – but the qualified naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist has not stopped there.

Just a few weeks ago, Shanks opened her new space in Bronte. The store, Orchard Street Dispensary, is an all-in-one herbal dispensary, cold-pressed juice shop, naturopathic clinic and organic lifestyle store. “[It’s] a space to feel inspired and empowered, have a tea, fill a herbal prescription…or have a naturopathic consultation,” says Shanks, who began studying Naturopathic medicine over 10 years ago.

Having witnessed the health benefits of organic juice while caring for her mother as she battled with cancer, Shanks conceptualised her juice cleanse business while living on Orchard Street in New York City, inspired by the city’s flourishing raw food and vegan scene.

The Orchard Street Dispensary store fit-out is at once reminiscent of a traditional chemist – including heavy gold-lettered signage, brown medicinal jars and an old-fashioned weighing scale – yet warm and inviting.

In the store, you’ll find organic cold-pressed juices, herbal teas, candles, organic skincare and body products, books as well as lifestyle items such as sprouting and nut milk bags, all of which are wrapped in attractive packaging. There's also a full herbal and nutritional dispensary behind the counter, where Shanks is on hand to individually select supplements best suited for each customer’s health requirements.